12 Days of Christmas

During the Christmas Season, one of the most ubiquitous carols is the 12 Days of Christmas. It’s practically a staple in any Christmas Carol fest and sung by choirs. While you’re trying to remember what gift was given on a particular day (and trying desperately to catch your breath at the same time), have you ever wondered what those gifts mean? Surely no “true love” would give partridges in pear trees right?

From mid 1500 to early 1800, Roman Catholics in England could not openly practice their faith. As such, christmas songs became the avenue by which catechism was taught to the young. On the surface, Christmas carols appear like catchy ditties, but on a deeper level, these songs convey messages that only those of the same faith can understand.

Image Source: Wikipedia

So what’s behind the lyrics? According to an article published on the Catholic News Agency, the “True Love” referred to is not a romantic sweetheart but God the Father, and the 12 Days of Christmas actually represent the following:

a partridge in a pear tree - represents Jesus Christ who died on the cross, the same way a partridge would willingly sacrifice its life for its young.